Download a user guide to mental health care

COMPASS
A USER GUIDE TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE
WELCOME
TO
COMPASS
COMPASS
Compass is designed to help consumers and
carers navigate Victoria’s mental health service
system. Compass was developed with the help
of mental health consumers and carers who feel
that informed involvement in treatment, as well as
supported recovery can mean better results faster.
CRISIS SUPPORT,
SUICIDE & SELF-HARM
PREVENTION
If you or the person you are caring for is in crisis
or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek
help immediately.
• EmergencyServices000
• SuicideCallBackService1300659467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• SuicideLine1300651251
www.suicideline.org.au
• Lifeline131114www.lifeline.org.au
Itcanbehelpfultodevelopa‘crisis
plan’withyourcareroryourmental
healthcareprovider,soyouknow
whatstepstotakeduringacrisis.
MENTAL ILLNESS
Mental illness affects all of us in some way. One
in five people will have a mental health problem
each year and half of the world’s population will
experience a mental illness in their lifetime – you
are not alone.
Mental illness is characterised by a disruption in a
person’s thoughts, feelings or moods to a level that
interferes with daily functioning and relationships.
Most treatment and support for mental illness is
delivered in the community, often allowing people
to remain at home. If hospitalisation is required,
it is usually for a short stay.
THERE IS A WAY TO
RECOVERY
Mental illness can be scary and challenging,
however most people will experience recovery.
There are many treatments available that can help
reduce symptoms of mental illness. Most people
will learn to lead a rich, full and meaningful life
even if some symptoms remain.
Each individual person’s journey is unique and
it may take time to work out what works best
for you.
No one has to battle mental illness alone –
support is available. Please talk to your mental
health care providers about your treatment plans
and goals. Be active in your own recovery and
seek support when needed. Positive actions
today will help you build a bright future.
ERMHA INC.
Ermha is a community based, not-for-profit
organisation delivering a range of innovative and
responsive mental health and disability support
services. Ermha works to promote recovery,
support community integration and assist
people to achieve an improved quality of life.
Ermha’s model of care is informed by a
combination of universally accepted human
rights and evidence-based practices. Ermha
uses a range of strengths-based and informed
approaches to instil hope and support recovery.
Ermha supports individuals and their families,
offering a range of services including individual
one-on-one support, service coordination, group
activities, carer respite and support, and a suite
of vocational and meaningful activity options.
At the heart of everything Ermha does lies a deep
respect for the people accessing their services.
Ermha understands that it takes hope, courage
and commitment to seek a brighter future.
Community awareness about mental illness is
increasing, stigma is declining and help is available.
http://www.ermha.org/compass
LOOKING
AFTER
YOURSELF
Improving your emotional and mental health
Sharing information with your health care provider
Some good questions to ask you mental health care provider
Youcanstartdoingthingstodaytohelpyouimproveyourlongtermemotionalandmentalhealth:
Sharing information can mean you get better treatment. These things are
important to share with your mental health and/or health care provider:
• CanyoupleaseexplainmydiagnosistomeinawaythatI
can understand?
•
• Whatarethepossiblecausesofmycondition?
• Dothingsthatpositivelyimpactotherpeople-makingacontributionbuildsself-esteem.
•
•
Engagingwithotherpeopleandavoidingisolationisgoodforyourhealth–beajoiner!(Getoutfrom
behind the TV and computer).
Stimulateyoursensesandengageinmeaningfulandcreativeactivities–enjoyartandcraft,sports,
music, cooking and nature.
• Workingthebrainhelpstobuildnewskills,retainskillsandbuildresilience–discovernewthings.
•
Maketimetorememberthepositivepartsofyourday,appreciateothers,reflectonyourstrengths,
andthinkaboutwhatyouaregratefulfor.Writingdown5thingseachdaythatyouaregratefulfor
is a great way to increase happiness.
• Helpmanagestress,anxietyandnegativethinking–mindfulnesspractice,mediation,prayer,
journaling and breathing exercises may work for you.
Anycurrentmedical,psychological,emotionalorphysicalsymptoms.
• Yourpastmedicalhistory.
•
Anymedications,vitaminsorsupplementsthatyouarecurrentlytaking.
• Ifyouarehavingsuicidalthoughtsorhavemadeanypastattempts.
• Anyself-harmorfeelingsofwantingtoself-harm.
• You’realcoholintake,smokingordruguse.
•
Goodnutritionandeatinghabitssupportgoodhealth.
• Significantchangesinyourabilitytoconcentrateorfunction.
• AmIentitledtoacasemanageroramentalhealthplan?
• Anyexperiencesofconfusionorlossoftime.
•
Ifyouarehearingvoices,orareseeingorsmellinganythingthatother
people aren’t.
• Ifyoufeelyouarenotalwaysincontrolofactions.
•
Ifyouhaverecentlyexperiencedamajorlifechangesuchasadeath
in the family, divorce, loss of job, birth of a child, etc.
• Exercisecanrelievestress,liftyourmoodandincreasegeneralwellbeing.Consultyourhealth
care provider about an exercise plan for you.
• Thingsthatyouaregoodat–yourstrengths.
• Haveregularhealthcheck-upstohelpyoutakecareofanyphysicalhealthconditions.
• Ifyouhaveexperiencedthisbefore,anythingthathelpedyou
manage last time.
• Limityouralcoholintakeandavoidcigarettesandothernon-prescribedorillicitdrugs.
Take an active role in your mental health treatment
Informed involvement in treatment can mean better results faster:
• Learnaboutyourillness,symptomsandtreatmentoptions,informedinvolvementhelpsyou
lead your recovery.
• Engagewithyourmentalhealthcareprofessionalsandfullyparticipateinyourtreatment.Asklots
of questions and be honest about your preferences.
• Trytokeepanuptodatementalhealthfiletokeeptrackofimportantinformation(seepage9
for more details).
• Considerjoiningasupportgroup.They’remostlyfreeandtheycanchangelives.
• Remembertosetwellnessandlifegoalsandsharethemwithyourcarer,familyandmental
health care provider.
• Whatwouldsuccessfultreatmentlooklikeforme.Whatcan
I look forward to?
• What’simportantformyprimarycarerorfamilytoknowabout
my condition?
It is important to look after yourself; your body and mind affect each other in important ways:
• Sleepisveryimportantsotrytogettherightamountofrest.Seventoeighthoursanight
is recommended.
• HowcanIhelpinmyowntreatment?
• Recentchangesinyoursleep,diet,weightorsexualfunctioning.
• Ifyouhavesufferedorarecurrentlysufferingtraumaorabuse.
Supporting your physical health
• Whataremytreatmentoptionsandcanyouexplainwhat’sgood
or not so good about each of them?
• Yourwellnessandlifegoals.
CONTACT MEDICARE AND
YOUR PRIVATE HEALTH
CARE PROVIDER REGARDING
REBATES AND COVERAGE.
Medication
For information regarding medication talk to your doctor, ask your
pharmacist for a Consumer Medication Information (CMI) sheet or
go to www.sane.org.au to download a fact sheet about types of
psychiatric medication.
Questions to ask your doctor regarding any medication
• WhatmedicationsamItakingandwhatsymptomsarethey
designed to treat?
• Whatarethelikelysideeffects?
• HowshouldItakethemedication?
• IsthereanythingIshouldavoideating,drinking,takingordoing
while on this medication?
• Howoftenwillmymedicationbereviewed?
• WhatifIdonotwanttotakethemedicationorifIwanttostop
taking the medication?
WHO TO SEE
General Practitioner
(GP)
IfyouarefeelingunwellyourGPisagoodplacetostart.YoudonotneedareferraltoseeaGP
and many of them bulk bill (all you need is your Medicare card or health care card).
GP’sareabletoprovideongoinggeneralmedicalandpsychiatrictreatment.Theycanprescribe
some psychiatric medications, help you create a mental health plan (which may help you get
somefreeorreducedfeecounsellingthroughMedicare’sBetterAccesstoMentalHealthCare
initiative) and/or refer you on to specialist mental health care providers.
Psychologist
Youdonotneedareferraltoseeapsychologist,butunderamentalhealthplanyoumayreceive
somefree(orreducedfee)sessionsthroughMedicare.TalktoyourGPaboutthis.
Psychologists treat a range of emotional, thinking and behavioural problems, by using a range of talk
basedtherapies.Theycannotprescribemedication,butcanworkcloselywithaGPorPsychiatrist.
Psychiatrist
If you are engaged with the public mental health care system a psychiatrist will be overseeing your
treatment and you will engage in consultations with them periodically. For a private consultation
seekareferralfromyourGP.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specialises in diagnosis and treatment of mental health
conditions. They provide both in-hospital and out-patient care. Common treatments include
prescribing and monitoring medication and sometimes psychotherapy.
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses who have additional training in mental health. They work in
a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community organisations. They
can help manage crisis situations, provide therapies and often dispense medication in hospitals.
Crisis Assessment
Treatment Team
(CATT)
The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team responds to psychiatric crises. They work with the
individual, family and mental health providers. The CATT team aims to prevent unnecessary hospital
admissionsbyprovidingtreatmentintheperson’sownenvironment.However,CATTpersonnel
will arrange inpatient admissions if hospitalisation is the most suitable treatment option.
Social Worker
or Case Worker
Social workers are trained to deliver a range of services. They engage people and systems to
address life challenges and improve wellbeing. Social workers often liaise with community
organisationstohelppeopleidentifyneeds,setgoalsandsecureservices.Youmaybereferred
to a social worker through a medical care provider or organisation.
Community Mental
Health Practitioner
Counsellor or
Therapist
CommunityMentalHealthPractitionersworkincommunity(non-government)organisationsto
supportpeopleandcarerstomanagetheeffectsofmentalillness.CommunityMentalHealth
Practitioners support the individual to plan for and achieve their life and wellness goals. (Ermha
employsCommunityMentalHealthPractitioners).
Counsellors and therapist are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Mainly
offering talk-based therapies, counsellors and therapists can have a range of qualifications and a
variety of specialities. For example a relationship counsellor and a grief counsellor will have different
qualificationsandareasoffocus.SpeaktoyourGPaboutcounsellorsortherapistswhoarecovered
by Medicare. Check with the counsellor or therapist to see if Medicare covers their services.
TREATMENT COSTS
The cost of treatment does not have to become a barrier to wellness. If you are suffering serious
mental illness, you may be entitled to financial assistance. To find out if you are entitled to any
financialsupport,pleasecontacttheDisabilitySupportWorkeratyourlocalCentrelink,andtalk
to your medical health care provider, about your financial concerns.
SpeakwithabulkbillingGPorcontactMedicare,oryourprivatehealthcareinsuranceprovider
about rebates and coverage.
SOME CLINICS AND PROFESSIONALS
BULK BILL AND MOST SUPPORT
GROUPS AND HELPLINES ARE FREE.
WHERE TO GO
MEDICAL CENTRE
Your local medical centre is where you will
find a General Practitioner (GP). If you are not
experiencing a crisis a GP can help you explore
your treatment options.
HOSPITALS, PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE
One of the key roles of psychiatric hospitals is to
provide crisis management to ensure the safety
of the patient and/or community. Today, the
majority of mental health care is delivered in the
community as opposed to a hospital setting.
The range of care can vary greatly from hospital
to hospital, and it’s important to note that not all
hospitals have psychiatric units. Some hospitals
are able to provide immediate mental health crisis
management, while others have a full range of
programs and support for both inpatient and
outpatient care. Speak to your mental health
care provider or contact your local hospital about
the hospital-based treatment options near you.
EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENTS (ED)
Hospital emergency departments can provide
mental illness crisis care. If you or the person you
are caring for is experiencing a crisis (and an
ambulance is not required) then the Emergency
Department can often provide assessment and
treatment. You may receive immediate treatment
or you may be released home under the care of
your mental health care provider, or referred to
a GP or other mental health service. MENTAL HEALTH
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
SERVICES
Mental Health Community Support Services
often provide a wide range of services. Many are
non-profit organisations financed by government
funding, fundraising projects, grants, donations
and private contributions. Mental Health
Community Support Services provide recoveryoriented support, and mental health education
for individuals and the community. They employ
a wide range of professionals to meet the diverse
needs of consumers. Ermha is a Mental Health
Community Support Service.
SUPPORT GROUPS
There are a range of support groups for both
consumers and carers. Support groups are
generally free and run by group members. Some
are organised and mentored by medical health
care providers.
IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH ANY OF
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE A SECOND
OPINION AND/OR CHANGE PROVIDERS
FAMILY
AND
CARERS
WHAT IS A CARER?
SUPPORT FOR CARERS
In this context, a carer is a person (often a family member) who cares for the needs of an individual
living with a mental illness.
TheCarer’sRecognitionAct2012formallyrecognisesandvaluestheroleof
carers and the importance of care relationships in the Victorian community.
Carers perform one of the most important roles in the life of someone suffering a mental illness. Most
carers take on their role out of love and compassion for the person they are caring for, and often provide
emotional, physical and financial support.
FormoreinformationontheCarersRecognitionAct2012visit
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/carersact
Many carers juggle more than just the role of carer, including holding down a job and providing for other
family members such as children or elderly parents.
Carer’s allowance and/or payment
Whilebeingacarerisrewarding,itcanalsobeoverwhelmingandfeelingslikefrustration,resentment,
sadness and even anger are common.
If you’re a carer and you experience any of these feelings, they do not mean you care any less for
theindividualsodon’tbehardonyourself.However,itisimportanttorecogniseyourlimitations,put
boundaries in place and seek help and support when needed.
In order to effectively care for someone else, you must first care for yourself.
Some tips for carers:
As a carer you may be entitled to financial assistance. Visit your local
Centrelink branch or look on line at www.centrelink.gov.au
Carers card
The Carer Card Program is a collaboration between the Victorian
Government,businessesandthecommunityandisdesignedtogive
recognition, understanding and support to Victorian carers.
The program has a wide range of discounts and benefits on offer
including free travel on public transport on a Sunday plus two return
off-peak travel vouchers each year.
See www.carercard.vic.gov.au for more information.
Respite
Important laws and legislation
Respiteisaplannedandtemporarybreakforthecarer,oftenprovidedby
communityserviceorganisations.Respitecanbeafewhoursaweek,
overnight,oruptoafewweeks.Respitecantakeseveralformssuchas
in-home support, day centres and specialised facilities for holiday stays.
Privacy and confidentiality laws may prevent you from receiving or being
invited to provide information about the person you are caring for. The
person you are caring for can give consent for you to access some
information and allow you to provide more input. Talk with the person
you are caring for and their health care providers and familiarise yourself
with the relevant legislation.
• Remembertoeatwell,gettherightamountofsleepandmaketimeforregularexercise.
Carers vocational support
• Trytotakeregularbreaksfrombeingacareranddosomethingyouenjoy,justforyou.
Support is available to help carers to engage in study or work. If you’re
interestedcontactErmhaon1300376421orgotowww.ermha.org
HELPFUL RESOURCES
SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS
Ermha (Mental Health Community Support Service):
‘Compass’
1300376421www.ermha.org/compass
• Stayconnectedtofriendsandfamilytopreventsocialisolation.
•
Establishingrealisticphysical,emotionalandfinancialboundariescanhelp.
• Supportisavailableandit’sagoodideatogetasmuchhelpasyoucanasearlyaspossible.
•
Remembertobuildandmaintainyouridentityoutsideofyourcaringrole.Beastudent,anemployee,
a team mate or a friend as well.
• Don’tforgettotalkaboutanddothingswiththepersonyoucareforwhichdonotrevolvearound
mental illness.
Encourage and foster self-determination
Mental illness can be disempowering. Encourage the person you are caring for to do what they can for
themselves to help maintain and increase their independence. This will help create positive self-esteem
and help support life skills.
There is a range of alternative supports available:
Ermha Respite and Carer Support,
Including Carer Vocational Support
1300376421www.ermha.org
MadCap Café – vocational pathways
1300376421www.madcap.org
Carers Victoria
1800242636–supportandservices
www.carersvictoria.org.au
Victorian Mental Health Carers Network
(03)88035555www.carersnetwork.org.au
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres
1800052222www.health.gov.au
Carers Australia – support and services
1800242636www.carersaustralia.com.au
Beyond Blue (Public Health Information Service):
‘Guide for Carers’
1300224636www.beyondblue.org.au
The Department of Health (Federal Government Department):
‘Rights and Responsibilities of Carers and Advocates’
1800020103www.health.gov.au
Department of Health, Victoria (State Government
Department): ‘The Mental Health Act 1986’ and ‘The
Health Records Act 2001’
1300253942www.health.vic.gov.au
FAMILY
AND
CARERS
YOUR RIGHTS
VOCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Engagement in work, study and volunteering contributes to positive self-esteem and wellbeing. Many
people find returning to work or study greatly accelerates their recovery process.
Work
Workinghelpstobuildandretainknowledgeandskills.Itincreasesindependence,decreasesisolation
and contributes to an improved standard of living.
Manypeoplecanmanagetheirmentalillnessandsuccessfullycontinuetowork.Workcanbepart-time
or full-time and can be suited to your skills and abilities.
JobAccess(aFederalGovernmentinitiative)andotherspecialistemploymentagencies,areavailable
to help people with psychiatric and other disabilities to prepare for and return to work.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Ermha’s Carer Vocational Support Services
Job Access
Disability Employment Australia
Wise Employment
Max Employment
1300376421www.ermha.org
1800464800www.jobaccess.gov.au
(03)90126000www.disabilityemployment.org.au
1800685105www.wiseemployment.com.au
1800625350www.maxemployment.com.au
Study
Studying is a great way to build your knowledge, make friends and increase your employability. Centrelink
can be a great place to start if you would like to return to study or explore traineeship or apprenticeship
opportunities. Contacting tertiary institutions directly can also be a great way to explore your options.
Course advisors are often available for free to help you consider what’s right for you.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Centrelink Jobs Education and Training
136150www.humanservices.gov.au
Volunteering
Volunteering can be just as rewarding and valued as paid employment and is vital to the social,
economic and environmental wellbeing of our communities. Volunteering can be formal or informal,
full-time, part-time, or casual. Volunteering is a great way to do something of value, help others, meet
people, and connect with your community. Volunteering Victoria is a good place to start, or you can
contact organisations directly and enquire about their volunteer programs.
Voluntary
A person admitting themselves for treatment
will be classified as a voluntary patient and
may leave at any time, or can be discharged
by the authorised psychiatrist. Under some
circumstances a person presenting voluntarily
may be placed on an Involuntary Treatment Order
if they meet the criteria.
Involuntary
An involuntary treatment order (ITO) is used when
a person is deemed unable to make informed
choices about their wellbeing and treatment. In
some circumstances, and on the recommendation
ofadoctor,theMentalHealthAct(2014)allows
for treatment without the patient’s consent.
THE MENTAL HEALTH
REVIEW BOARD
TheMentalHealthReviewBoardisanindependent
statutory tribunal established under the Mental
HealthAct1986.TheBoardisassembledto
ensure that involuntary treatment is delivered in
line with the Act. An involuntary treatment order
mustbereviewedwithin8weeksofitsinitiation
andatleastevery12monthsthereafter.The
board will either confirm the order or rescind
the patient’s involuntary status.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Volunteering Victoria
VOLUNTARY AND
INVOLUNTARY
TREATMENT
(03)90961183www.volunteer.vic.gov.au
The Mental Health Review Board
of Victoria
1800242703www.mhrb.vic.gov.au
CONSUMER RIGHTS
As a consumer of mental health services, you have
fundamental rights. These rights are protected by
Australian legislation and are acknowledged by the
United Nations.
You have the right to:
• Respectforyourindividualhumanworth,
dignity and privacy.
•
Healthcare,education,incomemaintenance,
employment, housing, legal services,
transport, equitable health and other
insurance, and leisure.
•
Appropriateandcomprehensiveinformation,
education and training about your mental
illness, treatment options and available
support services.
• Timelyandhighqualitytreatment.
•
Interactwithhealthcareproviders,particularly
when making decisions regarding your
treatment, care and rehabilitation.
•
Makeacomplaint,requestanadvocateand
refuse treatment (unless subject to mental
health legislation).
• Haveaccesstorelativesandfriends.
• Haveyourculturalbackgroundandgender
taken into consideration in the provision of
mental health care.
• Contributeto,andparticipatein,the
development of mental health policy and
the provision of mental health care.
• Live,workandfullyparticipateinthe
community free from discrimination.
YOUR RIGHTS
Advanced Care
Planning
Advanced care planning is a process in which a person describes treatment preferences prior to
becoming unwell. Advanced care directives can occur as a part of the advanced care planning
process, but do not have to.
Advanced Care
Directives
An advanced care directive can form part of advanced care planning, and seeks to either:
•
Appointadecisionmakertoactofaperson’sbehalfshouldthatpersonloosedecisionmaking
capacity in the future.
•
Documentaperson’streatmentpreferencesforfuturetreatmentprovidersshouldthatperson
lose their capacity to articulate those preferences in the future.
Currently in Victoria, advanced care directives can be overridden in a number of circumstances
anditisimportanttobeawarethattheyarenotwhollybinding.However,advancedcareplanning
and advanced care directives remain very useful and proactive ways to engage with your treatment
and treating team.
For further information go www.ermha.org/compass or www.health.vic.gov.au
Mental Health
Care Plans
Mental health care plans are often referred to by other names such as treatment plans or care
plans. A mental health care plan can be useful for people who are engaged with a number of
professionals at once for treatment and/or support. A mental health care plan outlines your goals,
your support networks, your strengths and what you can expect from each member of your treatment
and support team.
Under the National Standards for mental health services consumers should be involved in all
decisions regarding their treatment and care, and as far as possible, the opportunity to choose
their treatment and setting.
• Consumershavetherighttohavetheirnominatedcarer(s)involvedinallaspectsoftheircare.
• TheStandardsrecognisetheroleplayedbycarers,aswellastheircapacity,needsand
requirements, as separate from those of consumers.
• Participationbyconsumersandcarersisintegraltothedevelopment,planning,deliveryand
evaluation of mental health services.
• Mentalhealthtreatment,careandsupportshouldbetailoredtomeetthespecificneedsof
the individual consumer.
Freedom of
Information
YoucanapplyforaccesstoyourmedicalandmentalhealthrecordsundertheFreedomofInformation
Act(1982).Youcandownloadaninformationrequestformat:www.health.vic.gov.au/foi
ACTIVELY ENGAGING IN YOUR OWN
JOURNEY OF RECOVERY IS CRUCIAL
TO ACHIEVING WELLNESS
KEEPING UP TO DATE HEALTH RECORDS IS
ESPECIALLY VALUABLE WHEN CHANGING OR
ADDING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, REVIEWING
HEALTH CARE TREATMENT PLANS, AND
SETTING NEW GOALS
TAKING
CONTROL
Keep a mental health file
Goals
Working together
Creating a file of your recovery journey can be
very useful.
Setting goals is the key to taking control of your
recovery. Setting goals helps you to:
Some things you may want to include:
• Clearlyidentifywhatisimportanttoyouand
what you want to achieve
Workingwithyourfamilytosetgoalsisagreatway
to open communication about what is important
to each family member. Try to set goals in various
aspects of life to help create a balanced life.
• Yourstrengths
• Personalvalueswhichguideyour
decision making
• Yoursocialconnectionsandtheir
contact details
• Personalandtreatmentgoals
• Yourexperienceofthesymptomsof
your illness
• Allofyourhealthprovidersandtheir
contact information
• Aplanofwhatyouwilldoinacrisis
• Copiesofyourmentalhealthcareplan
• Detailsofyourcurrenttreatmentincluding
medication dosages and any side effects
• Historyofmedicationsyou’vetakenand
your experience of them
• Briefnotesfromappointmentsandhospital
admissions
• Abriefaccountofanyabuseandtrauma
• AcurrentAdvancedCareDirectiveform,
completed and signed
• Identifyservices,people,orresourcesyou
might need to achieve your goals
• Identifyanybarriersandputtogetherplans
to overcome them
Include topics such as:
• Healthandwellness
• Personal
• Family
• Communicatewithothersaboutwhatyou
want and where you’re going
• Communityandfriends
Goalsettingempowersyoutomakethechanges
that lead to a better life.
• Spiritual
• Work,learningskillsoreducation
Setting goals
• Financial
• Writedownthethingsyouwanttoachieve
(try to be specific and clear)
• Fun
• Breakyourgoalsdownintosmallersteps
• Trytogiveyourselfsometimelines(thiswill
help you get motivated)
•
Youcanalsodosomegoalsettingwithany
professionals involved in your treatment and/or
support – this can help you understand how
you, and your treating team, will contribute to
your wellness.
Identifypeoplewhomightbeabletohelpyou
achieve your goals
• Committoaction(dosomethingtodaythat
gets you closer)
• Reviewyourgoalsregularlyandmake
adjustments when necessary.
• Alistoftoolsandstrategiesyouuseto
help manage your symptoms
• Alistoftriggersyou’venoticedandways
to respond to them
REMEMBER A MENTAL ILLNESS
IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE,
IT’S NOT WHO YOU ARE
CRISIS / ADVICE LINES
Emergency Services
www.triplezero.gov.au
000
Lifeline
www.lifeline.org.au
131114
Kids Help Line
www.kidshelp.com.au
1800551800
Suicide Call Back Service
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
1300659576
NURSE-ON-CALL
www.health.vic.gov.au/nurseoncall
1300606024
Victorian Department of Health
www.health.vic.gov.au
1300253942
Department of Human Services
www.dhs.vic.gov.au
1300650172
Better Health Channel
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
180012663
Ermha Inc. www.ermha.org
1300376421
MadCap Café
www.madcapcafe.org
1300376421
Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au
1300224636
Head Space www.headspace.org.au
0390270100
Voices Vic www.voicesvic.org.au
0396929417
Turning Point
www.turningpoint.org.au
0384138413
Melbourne Homeless Services
www.melbourne.homeless.org.au
1800627727
Victorian Legal Aid www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
1300729307
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
www.asca.org.au
1300657380
Centre Against Sexual Assault
www.casa.org.au
0396353600
INFORMATION
AND SERVICES
GOVERNMENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Mind Health Connect
www.mindhealthconnect.org.au
1800022222
Children of Parents
with a Mental Illness
www.copmi.net.au
0883670888
Sane Australia
www.sane.org.au
1800187263
Black Dog Institute
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
0293824530
Victorian Mental Illness
Awareness Council
www.vmiac.org.au
0393803900
Ermha gratefully thanks and acknowledges
thesupportof8thLehemwhogenerously
provided the funding to make this resource
available to you.
Ermha Inc.HeadOffice67RobinsonStreet,DandenongVIC3175Tel1300376421Webwww.ermha.org
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